Making cute gummy bears at home is fun. But cleaning and storing your gummy bear mold candy molds the right way is important if you want them to last long. Proper care keeps your candies safe to eat and your molds looking new. Let’s go step-by-step.
Why Cleaning Matters
Sugar, gelatin, and syrup can stick inside the molds. If you don’t clean them well, they can collect dust or bacteria. A clean mold gives your candies a smooth shine and the right shape every time.
Step 1: Rinse Right After Use
As soon as you remove the candies, rinse the molds with warm water. Don’t wait too long — it’s harder to remove sticky sugar once it dries.
Avoid hot boiling water. It may damage the silicone or make it lose its shape. Warm water works best for cleaning leftover candy bits gently.
Step 2: Use Mild Soap
Add a few drops of mild dish soap to the water. Avoid harsh cleaners or scrubbing pads. They can scratch the surface.
Use a soft sponge or cloth to wipe each cavity. Move slowly to remove every sticky spot.
If you made gummies with oil or chocolate, you might need to clean twice to remove the grease completely.
Step 3: Clean Small Details
Most gummy bear molds have small shapes and corners. These spots trap sugar easily. You can use a soft brush or toothbrush to reach them.
Dip the brush in soapy water and clean gently. Be sure to rinse well afterward so no soap taste stays in your molds.
Step 4: Rinse and Dry
After washing, rinse again with clean water to remove all soap. Shake the molds gently to remove extra water.
Set them upside down on a clean towel and let them air dry fully. Avoid stacking wet molds together — that can trap moisture and cause a bad smell later.
Step 5: Sanitise Once in a While
If you use your molds often, sanitise them once a month. Mix one part white vinegar with three parts water. Soak the molds for ten minutes and rinse well.
This removes any odour and keeps them fresh for your next candy-making session.
Step 6: Check Before Storing
Before you store them, check that they are completely dry. Even small drops of water can cause mold or bacteria to grow.
Once dry, inspect for cracks or tears. Damaged molds can leak candy mixture, so replace them if needed.
Step 7: Store the Right Way
Place your molds flat in a clean, dry box or drawer. Avoid bending or folding them — it can affect their shape.
If you have many molds, you can put a sheet of baking paper between each one. This stops them from sticking together.
Store them away from sunlight or heat sources, as direct heat can warp silicone molds.
Step 8: Avoid Strong Smells
Silicone molds can absorb odours from nearby food. Keep them away from items like spices, onions, or scented candles.
If your molds ever smell strange, soak them again in warm water with vinegar or baking soda for 15 minutes.
Step 9: Cleaning Sticky Residue
Sometimes, sugar syrup or gelatin sticks even after washing. Sprinkle a bit of baking soda on a wet sponge and gently rub the sticky area.
Rinse well and dry again. This natural method removes residue without damaging your molds.
Step 10: Using the Dishwasher
Some silicone molds are dishwasher-safe. If yours are, place them on the top rack only. Use a gentle cycle with mild detergent.
However, hand washing is still the safest method to make them last longer.
Step 11: Taking Care of Shape
Always keep your molds in their natural flat shape. Don’t roll or fold them. Even a small bend can change the shape of your gummy bears or gummy squares.
Keeping them flat also makes filling them with candy mix easier next time.
Bonus Tip: Label and Organize
If you own many molds for different candies, label them by type — for example, bears, worms, or hearts. It saves time when you’re ready to make candy again.
You can also keep them in separate zip-lock bags or boxes for better organisation.
Final Thoughts
Caring for your gummy bear mold candy molds doesn’t take much time. But doing it the right way makes a big difference. Clean them gently, dry them fully, and store them properly.
This small habit keeps your molds safe, your candies delicious, and your kitchen tidy.
So, the next time you make those colourful gummy bears or cute gummy squares, your molds will be ready — clean, fresh, and perfect for use.
